Legendary vocalist and keyboardist Robert Lamm was born in Brooklyn, New York on October 13, 1944. His early musical experiences included the Grace Church, Brookyln Heights choir. After his parents divorced, he moved to Chicago at age 15 following his mother's remarriage. Lamm played in bands throughout high school, and studied music theory and composition at Roosevelt University. He was invited to join what would become Chicago in early 1967.
His songwriting talents made him the default leader of the group in the early years. Lamm-penned hits include, "Beginnings", "Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?", "Saturday in the Park" and "25 or 6 to 4". His clear baritone voice was an asset, as were his stylized keyboarding skills. International press portrayed Lamm as the group's social conscience, and many of his best songs ("Dialogue","Free", "All the Years", "State of the Union", etc.) espouse political themes. In the 80s, Chicago's bassist/vocalist Peter Cetera became the commercial focus, and Lamm seemingly drifted into a period of both personal and professional frustration. He emerged in 1982 with a new attitude and starting with "Life is Good in My Neighborhood", he seemingly deals with his need to create by putting out both solo projects (e.g., "In My Head", "Subtlety & Passion" "The Bossa Project") and collaborations with others (e.g., The Beach Boys' Carl Wilson and America's Gerry Beckley). Good-natured interviews find him still committed to Chicago, but was somewhat dismayed by compromises the band made has made. And, of course, Chicago still tours constantly, most recently in an excellent series of concerts with Earth Wind & Fire, Huey Lewis and America. Famously private, Lamm's personal life is mostly off-limits to fans. He was married briefly to late actress, Karen Sullivan in the early 70s (her credits, as Karen Lamm, include Le canardeur (1974)). (She later married The Beach Boys' Dennis Wilson - twice). Lamm was also married to Julie Nini, whom he wed in Aspen, Colorado in 1976. They had a daughter, Sacha, in 1977, but the marriage ended in the early 80's. He remarried in 1985 to actress Alex Donnelley, and they had two daughters, Kate and Sean. The marriage did not last. Lamm moved to New York City where he met and married art director Joy Kopko in 1991. Apparently, Lamm has finally found the love of his life and, with Joy, he thrives on spending time with his extended family, all three daughters remain very close with each other and Joy. Tall, slim and dark-haired in the early years, the blue-eyed Lamm now seems fit and content.
